1992-2008. Animal Genetics Inc.

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Sabino Heterozygous Horse. Courtesy of K. Kelsall

Sabino Pattern

Sabino is a white spotting pattern seen across a wide range of horse breeds and types, and widely regarded as responsible for white markings present on various areas of the horse.

Whereas other white genes cause more defined and uniform patterns which are easily recognisable, Sabino is a term often put to use for more minimal white areas of a horse which can occur in a wider variety of areas. One common defining feature of Sabino markings tends to be the 'roaning' around the edges of the white markings. This is where the 'border' of the white markings intermix with the horse's base colour, and where white hairs start to blend with the darker surrounding coat. This is separate to the roaning gene, which has a similar effect and is often associated with Sabino.

Similarly to Frame Overo, Sabino seems to work in a dosage effect. Whereas a horse which carries a single inherited copy of the gene will display the broken Sabino markings, and possibly only a small amount of white, a horse which carries two inherited copies of the Sabino gene (Homozygous) will be almost pure white in appearance. Unlike Frame Overo however there is no life-threatening condition attached to the pattern.

The Sabino1 test is proven to determine a gene mutation linked to the Sabino coat pattern. The test determines whether a horse is Negative, Heterozygous or Homozygous, for the Sabino gene.

nn: Negative. Non-Sabino horse.

nSb1: Heterozygous. Positive for dominant Sabino gene mutation, carrier of a single inherited copy of Sabino. White coat pattern present. Horse's base colour may be modified to varying degrees by the Sabino markings.

Sb1Sb1: Homozygous. Maximal sabino. Positive for dominant Sabino gene, carrying two inherited copies of Sabino. Will always pass Sabino to foals, and regularly Homozygous Sabino horses are almost pure white in appearance.

Homozygous Maximal Sabino Horse - Courtesy of J. Lewis

If you are unsure which tests apply specifically to your horse,

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Testing procedure & Frequently asked questions

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